Nuclear fusion

3 marks · Easy

Nuclear fusion involves combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

(a)

Name the two isotopes of hydrogen most commonly used in nuclear fusion experiments on Earth.

[2 marks]

(b)

State one particle (not a nucleus) that is released as a product in these fusion reactions.

[1 mark]

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(a) Deuterium and tritium

(b) Neutron

Common mistakes: Proton instead of neutron

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Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · States deuterium (or hydrogen-2) as an isotope used in fusion.

B2 (a) · 1 mark · States tritium (or hydrogen-3) as the other isotope used in fusion.

B3 (b) · 1 mark · States neutron as a product of fusion.

Worked solution

a) The two isotopes are deuterium (hydrogen-2) and tritium (hydrogen-3).

b) A neutron is released in the fusion reaction.